How many mamas opted to not do vitamin k shot and erythromycin (the eye goop) at birth?

Question

I'm curious about the benefits and I know a lot of natural moms who are opting for neither. Please comment why. Looking for advice! Thanks ladies!

Answer

If you don't do the vitamin k shot, your baby is at risk to spontaneously bleed to death. They're not born with all the proper clotting factors. It's important.

Answer

I try to be very holistic but I'm definitely getting the vitamin k. It's too risky

Answer

I am refusing the erythromycin eye ointment on the fact that I don't have any STD's, and I do take offense to the "one size fits all" approach. I was STD tested at my first midwife appointment and I am electing to be tested at my last visit before I go into labor so I have proof for the entire pregnancy if they try to force it on us, but I am hopeful since I am delivering in a birth center attached to a hospital, and it is run by midwives they won't be such dicks about it. Also I am telling them at the next appointment I prefer to do the oral vitamin k because they don't need such high levels of vitamin k, which they would get through the shot. I don't feel like arguing over this and they were pretty adamant last time I mentioned I'll probably refuse it, so I figured we can meet eachother half way and do the oral.

Answer

For those saying vitamin k shot is necessary, you're wrong, it is a precaution. 
Vitamin k is made by bacteria in the intestines, babies don't have bacteria and therefore don't have their own store at birth, it takes about 3 days for them to start producing it on their own. So they give babies a synthetic dose at birth to assist with clotting in case something was to happen that could cause bleeding before they started producing it on their own, such as being in a minor (or worse) car accident on the way from the hospital. It is not necessary, but it is recommended as a precaution, just like vaccinations are a precaution against disease, the difference between the two being you don't naturally develope an immunity to disease without actually getting it. 
You baby is not going to spontaneously bleed to death if you opt out of the vitamin k shot unless they for some reason end up with internal bleeding in the first 72 hours. 
Humans have clearly been reproducing for much longer then synthetic vitamins have been around. The shot and oitment are "one size fits all" precautions that aren't necessary for everyone, but aren't harmful so they are given to everyone just to make sure.

Answer

In curious about the eye gunk...is it needed for every baby? What is it for idk if I feel comfortable putting cream in my babies eyes especially if she doesn't need it.

Answer

And don't worry...I've talked to two pediatricians with differing opinions! 😉😆

Answer

They never even mentioned them so my son never got them

How many mamas opted to not do vitamin k shot and erythromycin (the eye goop) at birth?

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